2018-19 NBA season: Record predictions for every team

Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics might need an adjustment period as Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward return to the rotation, but expect Brad Stevens’ team to produce at an elite level once their groove is found. Boston might have the deepest team in the NBA.

In a league that preaches versatility, the Celtics have five starters who can create off the bounce and generate offense in some capacity. Al Horford is an elite passing big, Kyrie is dynamic off the dribble, and all three wings have playmaking ability.

The perpetually underrated Horford showcased his brilliance in the postseason, guiding the Celtics to a seven-game conference finals against LeBron James and the Cavaliers. He’s their defensive cheat code, spending time on all five positions. He’s also their glue on offense.

Kyrie and Hayward, in different ways, are offensive studs. Where Irving thrives off the dribble and in isolation, Hayward can provide a secondary playmaker with three-level scoring and an unselfish approach.

The bench is equally as deadly, with Terry Rozier, Marcus Smart, Marcus Morris and Aron Baynes all providing significant value. The Celtics are almost matchup-proof, boasting the ability to play big or small depending on the circumstances. That’s important in the postseason.

Assuming injuries don’t strike in bulk, the Celtics will be potential favorites in the East. Toronto will provide some competition for the top spot, but Boston is firmly among the league’s elite. There are four legitimate All-Star candidates on the roster, plus Jaylen Brown.

Final prediction: 57-25, No. 2 seed Eastern Conference